ANZCO Foods CEO Update - April 2026

Many of the communities we’re part of are feeling the pressure of the current cost of living. This is currently being compounded by the situation in the Middle East and rising fuel costs. For some families, putting food on the table is becoming increasingly difficult, and local foodbanks are seeing that demand first-hand.

Farmers understand better than most how quickly conditions can shift. Weather, markets, and rising costs don’t always go to plan. In times like these, strong community networks matter – on farm, in town and across the wider food system.

Recently, we made a $60,000 donation of mince to foodbanks around the country, working with the New Zealand Food Network to ensure support reaches those who need it most. This equates to approximately 35,000 meals for people in need.

Since 2020, we’ve partnered with the New Zealand Food Network to distribute product efficiently through its regional hubs. Last year, this included more than $150,000 worth of mince and other meat products to support foodbanks in the communities where we operate.

Alongside this, we continue to invest in programmes that support farmers and rural communities more broadly. This includes initiatives such as our Sponsor a School programme, the Rural Support Trust, Surfing for Farmers, farmer conferences, backing sports and community fundraising activities, and providing support for local rural competitions and events.

We also maintain major sponsorships with the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and the Māia Foundation, while promoting nutrition and wellbeing through partnerships with IRONMAN, Coast to Coast, and the Tokomanawa Queens.

We know many of you are doing the same in your own communities – supporting local initiatives, helping neighbours, and contributing where you can. It’s something the sector has always done quietly and well.

Ultimately, none of this happens without you. Your work producing food for New Zealand and the world underpins strong rural communities. Supporting others means strengthening the same communities that support our farms, our families and our future.

Our community support programme isn’t about recognition. It’s about doing what’s right, backing the communities we’re part of, and helping ensure support is there when it’s needed.

Thank you for the role you play.